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DEL MONTE'S PLAY 



THE 



Tragical History of Aaron Burr 



WHEREIN IS SET FORTH 



His Treason against the United States, His Plan to Con- 
quer Mexico, the Destruction of BlennerhasseU's 
Island Home, and Other Incidents 



WRITTEN BY 

LEON DEL MONTE 



cn^i 




^ONQf^^^ A ' 



CINCINNATI 

1889 










^'jT/je ri^/ii of Dramatization reserved. ^^ 



Copyright, 1889, 
By ROBERT CLARKE & CO. 



SOURCE OF THE PLOT. 



This play is taken from that period in the life of Colonel 
Aaron Burr at the time of the funeral of Alexander Ham- 
ilton until a short time after his death. 

Colonel Burr was elected Vice-President of the United 
States in a, d. 1800, and the following year, on the fourth 
of March, took his seat. Owing to some political differ- 
ences and trouble with Mr. Hamilton, a duel was fought 
at Weehawken Heights, July 11, 1804. Mr. Hamilton 
was killed. On March 2, 1805, Colonel Burr bid farewell 
to the Senate. 

The precise date on which Colonel Burr conceived his 
plans for the conquest of Mexico is not known, but it may 
reasonably be supposed that his final decision was taken 
shortly after March 2, 1805. In the spring of 1805, he 
made a tour through the west, and as far south as New 
Orleans. At the same time negotiation for the purchase 
of the Baron Bastrop tract of land, on the Washita 
river, was being carried on. His plans for the settlement 
of these lands, the severance of the West from the Eastern 
States and conquest of Mexico, were told to many, and 
were eagerly seized upon. He returned to the East to com- 

(3) 



4 TRAGICAL HISJORV OF AARON BURR. 

plete arrangements, and in August, 1806, accompanied by 
bis accomplished daughter, Mrs. Alston, be reacbed Blen- 
iierbassett's bome, an island in tbe Ohio river near Mari- 
etta. This place was considered the rendezvous for his 
eastern followers. And now tbe work really began ; boats 
were built, provisions were gathered, and recruits landed 
ready to go South. Shortly after this date, alarming ru- 
mors were circulated that Colonel Burr was connected 
with some plans hostile to this country. Notwithstanding 
tbe act passed by the Ohio Legislature, and bis arrest at 
Lexington, Kentucky, and his failure to secure General Wil- 
kinson's aid with the United States troops, he went on 
securing recruits. Then came the proclamation of the 
President for bis arrest. Tbe explosion was terrific, and 
he was arrested near Wakefield, Alabama. Tbe men, 
boats, and stores w^ere abandoned, for Colonel Burr bad 
fled, leaving all his followers in the lurch. Many j)eople 
were arrested, and indignation was at fever beat. 

Colonel Burr's plans were : 

First. He looked forw^ard to and would give assistance 
in case of secession of the West. This lie advocated and 
ardently hoped would take place. The purchase of the 
Bastrop lands were efl^ected, so that he and bis followers 
would be in tbe neighborhood at the right time, and near 
New Orleans, which was to be tbe capitaL 

Second. Should the revolt not take place as soon as these 
lands were reacbed, he would then, without delay, seize 



SOURCE OF THE PLOT. 5 

upon New Orleans and conquer Mexico, and be emperor 
on the throne of the Montezumas. Fat offices and spoils 
were to be the pay of his followers. For assistance in 
these plans he relied upon his friends and their money, 
also the British navy, and General Wilkinson, with the 
troops, and the dissatisfaction of the Mexicans with their 
present government. 

Colonel Burr was tried at Richmond for treason, and re- 
ceived what is termed a "Scotch verdict :" 

"That Aaron Burr is not proved to be guilty under the 
indictment by any evidence submitted to us" [the jury]. 

Mrs. Alston was shipwrecked at sea ; and, shortly after, 
Colonel Burr received a stroke of paralysis, and died. 



DRAMATIS PERSON.^. 



Aaron Burr... Vice- President of the United States. 

Harman Blennerhassett An Irish settler on the Ohio river. 

General James Wilkinson Commander of the western army. 

Colonel Hugh Phelps Commander of the Wood county 

militia. 

William C. C. Claiborne Governor of Louisiana 

Captain Edmund P. Gaines Conmiander of Fort S'oddart. 

Sheriff Theodore Brightwell../!^ Wakefield. 

Officer John Graham Government detective. 

Nicholas Perkins A lawyer at Wakefield. 

Edmund Randolph Attorney for Colonel Burr. 

Lieutenant CusHiNG Officer under Wilkinson. 

Lieutenant Kingsbury Same. 

Lieutenant Porter.. Snne. 

Lieutenant SwANN Same. 

W I lli A M Coleman A frien d of A lexnnder Ham ilton. 

Judge James Workman Judge of iXew Orleans. 

Major Ashley A friend of Burr. 

Admiral Truxton Same. 

General Eaton Same. 

General Dayton Same. 

William P. Van Ness Same. 

Comfort 'J'yler Same. 

Samukl Swartwout Friend of Burr. 

Peter Taylor Servant to Blenyierhassett. 

»Tacob Kroutzmeyer Imikeeper at Wakefield. 

Barlow Citizen. 

Murray S(nne. 

Spratt Same. 

Thkodosia B. Alston Daughter of Colonel Burr. 

Mrs. Blennerhassett... 

Kate Daughter of innkeeper, 

6 




AAEON BURR. 



TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS. 



ACT I- Scene I. 

Court-yard in front of White Swan Inn, suburbs of Neiv York. 
Enter from Inn Citizens Barlow, Murray, Spratt — 
Citizens dress of 1804. 

Barlow. The first bulletins placed in the city, 
Alexander Hamilton has been shot 
By Colonel Burr in a duel to-day. 
Was terrible news to the people. 
It will shake this country wherever known. 
'Tis very sad and most lamentable. 

Spratt. Hamilton was beloved by our country, 
And his vacant chair will be hard to fill. 
We have few patriots as good as he ; 
His loss is almost irreparable. 

Barlow. His taking off was a most shameful crime. 
Come closer ; though I whisper something wrong, 
I must have it out. Now, I say, my friends, 
I hope this wrong may be atoned for, 
And the author will meet his just deserts. 

Murray. Every citizen through this wide land 
Wishes the same ; 't is law, justice and right. 

(") 



8 TRAGICAL IIISTORV OF AAROS BURR. 

Spratt. Alack the day that our Vice-President 
Should put himself in such a dilemma. 

Barlow. Our Alexander Hamilton is slain, 
And to-day all that is mortal of him 
Will be buried in the grave. Solemn thought. 
What terrible anguish the dying one 
Must feel to know, as iiis life ebbs away, 
His body will be made a feast f )r worms 
Before its time, and ere God called him ; 
And to know his slayer will live on earth 
Enjoying for a longer time pleasures 
Which he would wish but forever denied. 

Spratt. To send a man's soul to heaven or hell 
Must press and pinch the conscience. 

Murraij. Very true ; 

'T is said that all humans have a conscience. 
But some, methinks, have sold or loaned theirs out ; 
Yet, you are right, we are all born with them. 
But 't is a strange essence, tliis conscience. 
For one must do wrong before he finds out 
Whether lie owns one or not. If 'tis found 
It is a breeder of discontent, and 
One anxiously wishes to be rid oft; 
'Twill not deter one from another wrong. 

Spratt. Man's knowledge of right and wrong is the guard ; 
Conscience is the scourge for wrong. 

Murray. That may be, 

But I hold that the gallows or the jail 
Is a better preventive and scourge. 

Barlow. No doubt they are effectual. 



A or 1— SCENE I. 

Murray. Ha! hii! 

This inflicted punish meut is an 
Extremely unsafe guard to the public. 
One will choose conscience every time before 
He will the gallows — there's no questioning this. 

Barloiu. How now^ ! Do you laugh at it? 

Murray. Oh! no, no; 

I cry for it, that a good thing must be 
Purchased with a wrong, excites my disgust. 
My humor is stirred ; and, as I can not 
Laugh, I therefore must cry. Spratt, what say you? 

Spratt. Whoe'er takes life, is a robber of all. 
Stings of remorse will on his head soon fall. 
His mind will go 'round the poll of his brain, 
Like the bears, pursued by the dogs, on high — 
An endless-ceasing journey into time; 
And nothing but the grave will rid him oft. 
Thus we are made, and thus we are. 

Murray. Bravo ! 

Now, tell us, good sir, what disposition 
Will they make of Burr, vvhen he 's in the law? 

Spratt. Laws are merely rules, made for protection. 
They are shields 'gainst wrong; not pits to trap. 
Laws are best served, when the people obey. 
'Tis each one's duty' to observe the laws. 
And assist his neighbor to do likewise. 
Penalties for infraction are rightful ; 
But, like the fishmonger's net, some small fish 
Squeeze through, and some big ones break through. 
We do not love our rights well enough yet. 
'Tis such a new thing to be free, we are 
Puzzled h(;w to act; we guard with looseness. 



10 TRAGICAL HISIORV OF AARON BURR. 

Law should be the imperial sovereign — 
Be courted, wooed, loved, and upheld. 
There ahvays are too many assassins. 

Murray. But, in this present case, will it be warped? 

Spratt. T is early yet ; the courts must decide that. 

Murray. But there is set forth a penalty? 

Spratt. Yes; with a rope his throat is to be choked. 
He will not insist upon fulfillment. 

Murray. He does n't want it to happen to him ; 
When it 's for others, 'tis a different thing. 
Most people think about tlie same on this. 

Spratt. If one objects to feed out of the trough, 
Let him keep company other than boars. 
The law is merciful ; 't would be a wrong 
Not to punish, and preserve welcome peace — 
The boon of citizens — all o'er the land. 
That the law is stern, it is for the best. 

Murray. For this killing, this wrong, some few will weep, 
AVhile the crape is fresh ; but 't will soon o'erblow. 

Spratt. More shame that it is so ; but let 's to town. 

Murray. Come, we will make haste. We tarry too long. 
All the people weep. Let's attend the train. \_Exmnt. 

Enter William Coleman, Sam Swartwout, William P. 
Van Ness, from up the road. Distant booming of guns 
and tolling of bells at intervals. In tJiis scene, Coleman 
and Swartwout ivear short, hanging sivords; citizen's 
dress. 

Coleman. These are trying times for our young country. 
Our people have just fought 'gainst rule of kings; 
Blood and treasure freely offered on the 
Altar, for our freedom and our union. 



ACT I— SCENE I. 11 

Now Crime most foul holds her black wings on high, 

And threatens destruction to our nation. 

Our Vice-President, to his former faults, 

Now adds ^ murder to his list of wrongs. 

As a public servant and officer, 

He has willfully neglected his trust, 

And abused the confidence of the people. 

He does not vie with the wild goose, soaring 

To heaven ; but scrambles for food with hens, 

In a barn yard. 

Swdrtwoid. The one who lives has many virtues, W'hich 
You know not, or give little heed of them. 
I will tell you of a few, that your heart 
May be made to feel more charitable. 
And you may think less ill of what's been done. 

Coleman. I care little to hear of his virtues. 
Think less of what has been done ! God, hear him ! 
From oldest times, both common and statute, 
The law has been. Thou shalt not kill. 

Swarttuout, We '11 put it on the plane of self-defense. 

Coleman. You put it where you wish. The fact re- 
mains ; 
Also the circumstances of it all. 

Dayton. Then, we will talk of things that led to this. 
Our Vice-President — pushed into the ring. 
Goaded on all sides by vicious enemies — 
Frenzied, did spring upon the nearest one. 
For he has been outdone these many years 
Unjustly, and by this Hamiltcm's hand. 

Coleman. Colonel Burr has always led the assault, 
He the aggressor, in all that's been done; 
And for this last contest lie did prepare, 



12 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

And practiced long for this, his deadly shot. 

A cruel butcher for all purposes ! 

And, since Benedict Arnold, I know not one, 

Sunk into deeper ignominy withal. 

times! O times! that monsters should hold power! 

'T is the curse of homes and nations, when 't is so. 

O Hamilton ! in the midst of thy days, 

Ere thou reached the zenith of thy glory, 

By a dastard hand art taken away. 

Let tears of human pity fall for thee ! 

Hero, statesman, jurist, and patriot. 

Well-born; upright and honest thou hast lived. 

You never did a willful harm to man. 

To avert mishap, and right alleged wrongs. 

With all thy power, thou didst vainly try. 

The apparition of a fallen son, 

As a harbinger of death from the grave. 

With his shriveled hands laid bare bis bosom. 

Did show to you his dreadful, cruel wounds. 

Point to a yawning grave, and warn you off; 

But you must falL Thy little babes did stand, 

With blanched faces, stretching out to you 

Their little hands ; and, pointing to their mother, 

With eager, lisping eloquence cried out: 

'' O dear papa ! stay, stay, and live for us !" 

You who have hearts full of love and pity — 

Have wept o'er moldering ruins of friends — 

Weep now. 

Van Ness. Truly, he is sad, and his heart is full ; 
We should speak to him kindly. 

Sivartivout. So we will ; 

But he must hear our own views of this case. 



ACT I—SCENE I. 13 

Hear us ! Hamilton did grievously 

Persecute and pursue Colonel Burr; 

Nor quit he from the chase till this last theme. 

Both in county, state, and other offices, 

For chief of the army, he was overthrown ; 

And was published to the world, unsafe 

To hold the reigns of government; and, more. 

He advocated dismemberment of 

The Union, and on the principles of 

The Jacobins he would stand and govern ; 

That he would infuse rottenness in the 

Only party which had the welfare of 

Our country at heart ; that he would tear down 

Our priceless treasure — our country's freedom. 

Van Ness. And, with the Spanish minister, did plot. 
To bring our country in another war. 
Also, to make it a second-class nation — 
Make it a province to another land — 
To France. Our ports were open to their ships. 
For commerce, and for building, and all else. 
Every thing for foreign shall be first. 
All our home industries must wait on them. 
We have just fought 'gainst kings for freedom. 
'T is false that he is for these or a king. 

Coleman. Aye, but none other tlian himself must reign. 
He will be all ; all things to him is gain. 

Swartivout. In late contest, he wished but denial 
Of accusations, on him unjustly thrust. 
He was not much in wrong for the killing. 
Both of them went for the self-same purpose; 
'T is the fashion. 

Van Ness. Out upon the fashion I 



14 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

I '11 be the first to bear it to its grave. 
But 't was not good for Hamilton to say, 
" Defeat and perdition to Colonel Burr! " 
And manage in a most disgraceful manner, 
And charge Burr with his own dishonesty; 
That, for private motives, he resisted 
The admission of the state of ^V'ranklin ; 
That he had some private plans with Miro, 
Governor of the provinces of Spain, 
Prior to his chair as Vice-President. 

Coleman. Against this array, you make but denial, 
And heap dishonesty upon the dead. 
Your defense is too thin ; it lacks substance. 
But 'tis your purpose, plan, and desire, 
To make a patient hero of this fellow. 
No blacker-hearted villain walks the earth 
Than this, your friend ; for when he smiles, he grins. 
For an outrageous plot, he is clever. 

Enter Burr. 

Swartwoiit. Here he comes. This blow wdll crush him. 

Coleman. Perhaps. 

Probably he has instructions for you. 
Go; meet and kneel to your chief. 'T is proper. 

Van Ness. Ne'er have I seen him so melancholy. 
Look! wMth bowed head, and measured, tott'ring steps. 
He comes. 

Coleman. What is he made of, that he should 
Act in a different manner? 

Van Ness. Tut, tut! 

Burr. Friends Swartwout and Van Ness, I am most sad. 
Be kind to me in this disastrous day. 



ACT I- SCENE I. 15 

Yon, my friends, know all. The people, later, 

Will anxiously wait to hear it explained. 

Farewell to ambition, office, and fame! 

I am an outcast and a fugitive, 

With a price on my bead. Hear me, my friends; 

Spare my faults to the people, and tell them 

Of all my virtues, should you find any. 

Say all the good you can. I am in need 

Of true friends' kindness and their sympatby. 

But be himself made his wife a widow, 

And I — I bave made his name immortal. 

^waritvout Cbeer up, Colonel; maybe 't is not so ill 
As you tliink. It migbt be worse lor you, sir. 

Burr. It is ill enough. But who is your friend? 

Coleman. Look at my face; I tbink you will know me. 
This absent-thought will not serve your purpose. 
Hear you tbe guns and bells cry out your knell? 
They speak for tbe dead, and 'gainst tbe living. 

Swartwout. Nay, not for Burr tbe guns cry out; \uy 
sword, 
Mark you, will say it is for Hamilton. [Does not draw. 

Van Ness. Your sword will find no target for its point. 
Be quiet; rush not on, and make things worse. 
The bells and tbe guns, with tbeir iron tbroats. 
May cry out other knells than what we know. 
No more fighting, if I can prevent it. 
The man with the scythe will come soon enough. 
Farewell, Coleman ! Please leave us here. [J^.r?^ Coleman. 
Poor Coleman ! he takes this all to himself 
His sympathies outweigh his discretion. 
But give us your orders. 'Tis best you leave, 
For the present only. We counsel well. 



16 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

For you will be indicted for murder. 
Already has action begun for it. 
We, at least, are your friends, true aud willing. 
We will do your bidding to the letter. 

Burr. Indeed, I am wretched. To-night I 'U go 
To Perth Am boy, to Commodore Truxton. 
I will seek his counsel. Then I know not. 
Meet me at the wharf, at dusk to-night. 
Have you a boat to take me to the shore. 
This clamor will soon cool. It can not last long — 
It is too maddened, and too white a heat. 
O, would that it had never come ! 

Van Ness. Affairs have taken on serious shape. 
None can tell how it will end. 

Swartwout. Let us go. 

Colonel, we will be ready. 

Burr. Fare you well ! 

\_Exeimt Van Ness and Sam. 
'T is strange, that all this uproar should hold forth 
For such a petty cause. 'T was he, not me, 
Who brought this on. He \vould have killed me. 
Without benefit of clergy, if he could. 
But now, they'll call his ghost to undo me. 
Will all my former friends desert me, now 
That I am down and broken ? We will see. 
While I'm in the chair, as Vice-President, 
I must conform to the rules. I will resign. 
I will hold no longer, under such a 
Government as this is. One does not know 
Who are his friends or f )es ; they dress alike. 
Now will I break loose from these iron chains. 
And court that lovely mistress, Mexico. \_Exit 



ACT I— SCENE 11. 17 

Scene II. A Street scene. Time, near dusk. 

Enter General Dayton and Major Ashley. (One year 
since the last scene.) All in citizen^ s dress of the time, 
(A First-Scene setting.) 

Ashley. When did you last see Colonel Burr? 

Dayton. Friday. 

He was anxious that all should be present 
At the meeting. 

Ashley. 'T is very important. 
All are disposed to be coucerned in \ ; 
8i), I take it, all will strive to be there. 
He is wonderfully energetic — 
A shrewd and careful schemer. 

Dayton. Oh ! yes ; 

But very restless, that sometimes I fear 
He may act hastily. 

Ashley. Oh ! have no doubt^. 

He will be cautious ; for, of all liis schemes. 
This is the greatest, and needs looking to. 
But 't is not his first acquaintance with it; 
Moi-e like an old one, re- met. Here comes Eaton. 

Dayton. He goes the same way with us. \_Enter Eaton. 

Eaton. Good-day, friends. 

Ashley. Good -day to you. 

Eaton, We will walk together. 

I can call your destination. 

Ashley. Agreed. 

Eato)i. Whom are we to meet? 

Ashley. I can not name all. 

Many, wlio have already joined in this, 



18 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Will not be present, for they live out West, 
And can not come. General Wilkinson, 
He has recently been api^ointecl the 
Commander of the troops throughout the West. 

Eaton, A just recognition of his merits. 
He is a good soldier, and a brave man. 
But it is rather incredible. 

That he should be in league with Colonel Burr. 
He is not one to play the lieutenant 
To any man. Besides, his position 
Should preclude it. 

Ashley. He will to the Colonel. 

They are old friends. As for the office. 
He will not be the first man who has 
Done similar things. 

Eaton. T is hard to believe. 

Ashley. And Commodore Truxton, w^ho has lately 
Been requested to resign his office ; 
Eric Bollman and Captain Dupeyster, 
John Adair, also Samuel Swartwout; 
Daniel Clarke and others, from New Orleans — 
But they will not be present this evening. 
Burr has clever plans, which he will recount. 
He has just returned from a trip out West. 

Eaton. I've recently returned from Tripoli, 
And therefore am not advised of all 
Public affairs and happenings here at home. 
I am informed that Colonel Burr has 
Really regained his former power. 

Dayton. He has many friends, and is a power 
Throughout the country, particularly 
In the South and far West ; but there are some 



ACT I— SCENE II. 19 

Avenues to his ambition which are 
Forever closed. This he realizes, 
And now we have General George Clinton 
For Vice-President. 

Eaton. A good selection. 

Dayton. 'T is said he satisfies a strong party ; 
He is wealthy and from a good old stock. 

Eaton. Then his appointment is well taken. 
\Vith ability, wealth and family ties 
Are not good grounds to disqualify him ; 
Better have a man who stands on his own 
Feet than one bolstered on props of others. 

Dayton. This is generally made a bugbear. 

Eaton. False modesty or a borrowed trade- mark 
Is all the virtue it 's entitled to. 
Less pussy-feet would be better served. 
President Jefferson's recent purchase 
Of Louisiana was a master-stroke. 
His wisdom in this can not be gainsaid. 

Dayton. 'T is of infinite value to the West ; 
An excellent port at New Orleans. 
It removes the odious Spanish tax, 
And gives protection 'gainst foreign powers ; 
But the people are very much harrassed 
By the Indians, and the government 
Does not afford adequate protection. 

Ashley. It is not General Wilkinson's fault ; 
He is much hampered by the government. 

Dayton. The late cruel massacres of the whites 
In the Mississippi Territory 
And Alabama should certainly make 
It extremely apparent to those in power — 



20 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

And the PresideDt — that these red-skins 
Positively have no idea of peace. 
When these marauders begin their attacks, 
Orders to the troops should be, '^No quarter." 
This peace-making business is most absurd. 

Ashley. Eather it is a most shameful outrage. 
The government deserves severe censure 
From every citizen East and West. 
This ne.D^lect ^vill surelv brino; on trouble. 
This country will be better divided. 

Eaton. Our government should give this attention ; 
Willful waste and neglect is always wrong. 

Ashley. There are many other wrongs much talked of; 
But, had we not better be going, for 
We should not keep others w^aiting? 

Dayton. Let 's go. [_Exeunt.^ 

Scene III. 

A room at Mr. Wheaton's house at Washington. Enter Col- 
onel Burr; afterward enter Matthew Lyon, Gen- 
eral Dayton, Major Ashley, Commodore Trux- 
TON, General Eaton, General Adair— a// in citi- 
zen^s dress. 
\_Parlor room of a private residence — chairs, table, etc.'] 
Burr. Now is this country racked from end to end, 

And sorely pressed by home and foreign foes. 

And political factious bent on strife 

Run tumult and contention 'long the line 

To ease their fears or satisfy their w^ants ; 

Things not easily attained in this world. 

Impending war w^ith Spain and Mexico 



ACT I—SCENE TIL 21 

Menaces us on all shores and our borders ; 

And internal dissensions crown the pile. 

Recognition or preferment by our 

Government of me is forever lost ; 

That last duel has gone sore against me. 

I nor no other mortal can withstand 

Public opinion ; she is queen. So now 

It is a fitting time to execute 

My plans, make known my designs, and go West. 

If my followers are as true to me 

As I am disloyal to the government, 

Soon will there be commotions through the land ; 

Pitiless men will carry hostile aruis, 

And President Jefferson must needs look 

To the welfare of himself and his chair. 

I will be as cruel and relentless 

As in my power lies. Although he is 

Gentle, peaceful, and magnanimous. 

Yet he must be ruined with all the others. 

Remain here in passive indifference, 

To be scoffed and tabooed by the people. 

Does not suit me. I will found an empire — 

1 will sever this country or rule Mexico. 

I was not born to idly waste my days ; 

I hate these times of inactivity. 

They goad me so I am more fretful than 

The waves at sea. But, hark ! some one comes. 

Enter servant, followed by Lyon, Dayton, Ashley, Tkux- 
TON, Eaton, Adair. 
Burr. Major iVshley, and friends, welcome you all. 
Gentlemen, you form my Eastei'u staff; would 



22 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

That I had my Western comrades here now. 
Commanders ne'er had more select aids. 

Truxton. We come, at your request, to learn from you 
Concerning some important enterprise. 

Burr. Which I have formerly advised you of 
In a meager manner as to details. 
Give ear ; this is a favorable time ; 
Occasion only waits to be accepted. 

Lyon. But would you not prefer an embassy? 
One could be obtained. 

Burr. No ; I '11 have none of it. 

My friends and much money hinge my plans. 

Lyo7i. You could be returned to Congress. 

Burr. No, no ; 

I am done with government positions. 

Ashley. People out West have good cause to complain 
'Gainst the present methods of our government. 
I would not be surprised should they sever. 

Burr. Indian troubles, Spanish taxation, 
And port duties, are just and good cause. 
They are entirely without protection — ^ 
Heard you of the severance of the States ? 

Eaton. I have not been here long enough to know, 
But our President's letter to Congress 
Leads one to think we will have war with Spain. 

Burr. On my Western trip I have made many 
Rich and powerful friends, who will join 
For this or other schemes, which they know 
The common people can be led by the nose. 
Thousands are eager to join any plan. 
Each one strives to better his condition. 
The colony and the Washita sale. 



ACT I—SCESE III. 23 

Whicli, as yoii know, will serve as a go:)d mask. 

Tiiiies greatly favor the other projects — 

A rebellion will occur. Some are for 

The general government sliould be head, 

State government should be secondary. 

The other will maintain to the bitter end 

That each state is in itself a sovereign. 

Some trivial matter may be brought in. 

The main issue will be as I have said ; 

'Twill end in a cruel war, but never 

Will be satisfactorily adjusted. 

Jealousy of imaginary rights 

Will force this woeful trouble 'mong the States ; 

War with Spain is inevitable. 

Discontent is widely spread in the West, 

The Floridas shall go to this country, 

Mexico shall be under our control. 

If the West separate, we will rule at 

New Orleans, and annex to Mexico. 

But should this not occur in a short time 

Then we will conquer and rule Mexico, 

And you, my followers, shall be euriched. 

Ashley. A splendid court, Avith high dignitaries; 
The ideal of a man's much loved dream. 

Burr. Mexico is as anxious so throw off 
The Spanish yoke as Louisiana 
That of France. There is no legal restraint 
To deter private parties from conquest ; 
Especially so, as we help rid them 
Of tyrant rulers, and we are welcomVl, 
Save a few isolated exceptions. 



24 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Adair. I like the plan, and I will pledge to you 
Powerful aid and men from Kentuckv. 

Eaton, A grand plot, and nothing to hinder us ; 
I am for it; will bring what I can. 

Triixton. Unless Jefferson and the government 
Are privy, I shall not join you in this. 

Burr. 'Tis best not inform the world of details, 
But to quiet your alarm, will tell you. 
From private sources I am assured 
That they know and silently acquiesce. 
It would be a declaration of war. 
Should they openly assist or abet. 
Present times are not propitious for this. 
For French and British guns would be on them. 
General Dearborn is with us ; read this. 

[^Hands forged letter. 
Why, the administration is so weak. 
That with two thousand faithful soldiers 
I could throw them into the Potomac. 
You will be in charge of the ships, so now 
Inform yourself as to the best method 
Of attack on La Vera Cruz, also, 
Havana and Carthagena. 

Tritxton. Keep me advised, and I will report 
All marine matters to you. 

Burr, Thanks, Truxton. 

Eaton. It will be difficult for these foreigners 
To adopt our methods of government. 

Burr. Their religion, and most of their customs. 
Shall prevail ; we will not rout the peasants. 
The power and command is what we want. 

Eaton. How about the troops, will not their affection 




HAEMAN BLENNERHASSETT. 



ACT 11- SCENE J. 25 

To the present government be enough 
To preclude the idea of help from them ? 

Burr. Still remembering the late appointment 
Of General Wilkinson, yet, there is 
Great dissatisfaction among the troops 
And under officers; perfected plans 
Have not been reached, but the attitude 
Of preliminaries is flattering. 
Admiral Drake favors us for conquest. 
Commodore Preble and Captain Decatur 
Have given me assurance of their aid. 
At once I will assemble the forces. 
We will proceed down the western rivers. 
Ships will be at our command at New Orleans. 

Ashley, If any present deem it advisible 
To withdraw, now let him speak out. 

Burr. I think that we are all harmonious. 
I am confident of the best blood in 
America to take up and assist 
In this most important undertaking. 

All. We ]:)ledge our honor, and will aid the cause. 

Burr. Go, as is your wont, and further the cause ; 
I will keep you all informed. Farewell. 

ACT II-^CENE I. 

Ill the garden in front of Harman Blennereiassett's 
house. Discovered, Harman, Mrs. Blennehiiassett, 
Peter Taylor Q^ervani). Hou^e has snudl porch. 
Set scene unth ivoodeii settees and one or two chairs. 
Mrs. Blen. Is not this the day that we should expect 

The coming of Colonel Burr and liis daui>hter? 



26 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF A A RON BURR. 

Harman. Yes, but dear, why are you so sad to-day ? 

Mrs. Bleu. O, Harman, my husband, I've had a dream. 
Bear with me, I am only a \vomau. 
Be gentle with me, the future seems dark. 

Harman. Dry your eyes, rout your fears, tell me 
of it. 
Come here, Peter, help me to read the sign, 
You have knowledge in dreams, occult science. 
Now draw us your cabalistic figures. 

Peter, Command me, kind master, I shall obey. 
Those most ancient and honorable bonds 
Shall be harnessed with the present sign. 
All my secret learning shall be summoned, 
ril please you all I can, but should I say 
Unwelcome words, blame not the stars nor me. 
If it bodes good, I will tell my reading. 
Should it bode ill, what shall I do, master? 

Harman. Give us your reading, good and true, ^ve'll 
choose 
The better path for our life's walk. 

Peter. Guide me. 

Mrs. Blen. I dread and fear to tell it; 'tis fright'ning. 
When we are awake, we can take our eyes 
From dreadful tilings; we face them out in dreams. 
The involuntary muscles of our brains 
Distort and play sad havoc with our minds, 
While our bodies lie with Morpheus. 

Harman. We are not free agents while we do dream. 
None are accountable to God or man. 
This is the unexplained secret of God. 

Peter. Why do we dream? that is the question. 
Is't because our souls leave our bodies? 



ACT II-SCENE 1. 27 

They must do service in another form. 

Are they pent up only for a season ? 

Are we double souled, as we are brained ? 

No, for one human there is only one, 

And it will stay till death its cottage shakes. 

Little children may have most horrid dreams ; 

Convulsions seize them, and they cry aloud. 

They walk about; they know not where or how. 

Yet, sometimes have most pleasant dreams; how is't ? 

When one human is born on earth, 

One soul is lost to Heaven. 

When one human dies on the earth. 

One soul is gained in Heaven. 

Who has not seen the painted devil, 

In fancy picture books ? 

Yet all may see that painted devil, 

If in a fire he looks. 

Our minds conform to the decrees of nature, 

Our bodies worn by the fatigues of time. 

The whole make up of a man doth slumber. 

The humors of our bodies cause dreams; 

They prick the brain, and print on it some scenes, 

Whereupon, when we awaken, we first 

Know these unsolicited impressions ; 

And we call them dreams, when we are awake. 

Yet, if one speaks softly at the ear of 

A sleeper, and arouse him tiien by the 

Stirring of the spirits, there are buzzings 

In his head, and he dreams on awakening. 

Men have dreams by divine revehition. 

When it pleases God to send any. 

Harinan. O come, now, we are waiting; account it. 



28 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Mrs. Blen. I was asleep ; a great noise awaked me. 
Thick, humid air |)ermeated the room, 
And bright-tongued, ravishing flames of fire 
Chased each other into dark'ning shadows, 
Into which they disappeared ; and I heard 
Many voices crying out like a mob, 
All out of tune ; one cried this, and one that ; 
No two alike, all in wild confusion. 
Daz'd and frightened, and almost craz'd with fear, 
I rushed to the window and looked out. 
There I saw the orchard all on fire. 
I screamed to you for help, but you had gone. 
Vainly I screamed for my little children. 
Wildly I ran down stairs, out on the porch. 
The little ones were there waiting for me. 
And, laughing, cried out, O, papa is here. 
I leaned over the railing, you were there. 
Lying prostrate on the ground, and so still — 
O, God, there a corpse, with some one near you ! 
The flames and the crowd were coming nearer. 
Our children became white like specters. 
They seemed to fade away into the air; 
I could not recognize them. I fainted. 

[Peter draws figures on a 'paper. 

Harman. Dearest wife, we'll thank God ^twas but a 
dream. 
I can not find a meaning for this all. 

Peter. Nor I, my master, lest untimely death 
Comes to one we love; I can not name him. 

Mrs. Blen. Aye, Peter, there is more in this than that. 

Harman. Come, what does your learning foretell ? 

Peter. Very sad, master. 



ACT II—SCENE 2. 29 

Harman. Read to me the sign. 

I shall judge. 

Peter. The moon is in the dragon's tail. Saturn 
Is retrograding, and in the twelfth house. 
Both are afflicted, and this denotes ill. 
The dream is of near time. By my figure, 
The dreamer's calm life will be shaken. 
The growth of an orchard is very slow. 
This signifies all of life's work and gains 
Will be lost. Then you will be taken first. 
Then, I know not who will follow. Alas! 
Forgive me, for I hope it may not be. 

Harman. A very dismal and unwelcome tale. 
And one which I do not care to believe. 

Peter. Here I draw you the sacred pentacle. 

\_Draivs figures. See AjjpendLw 
Have this eno^raved on p^old, and wear it ; 
Hang it around your neck with a gold chain, 
And at new moon, once, ask Anael's help. 

Harman. A plague on your mysteries, they hold me 
In their grasp, for they are fascinating. 

Peter. Kind master, I merely read the sign-posts. 

Mrs. Blen. This seems to be a warning from on high. 
Harman, I do not like the idea 
Of linking our lives and fortune with Burr ; 
Remember the duel — it was a crime. 
He is ambitious ; we, plain country folks. 
Think well before you act. Let us stay here. 
I love my pleasant home ; we are happy 
And contented ; you will not go away ? 

Harman. I will do nothino; without serious thought. 



30 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AAROX BURR. 

But he comes here at our request, and we 
Must hear his story, then we will decide. 

Mrs. Blen. You are the host, so give him good welcome. 

Peter. I see some people coming ; I'll inquire. 

\_Exit Peter. 

Mrs. Blen. He is coming now. [^Enter Peter. 

Peter. My master, Colonel Burr and his daughter, 
Also many others, have arrived. 

Enter Colonel Burr, Mrs. Theodosta Alston, Major 
Ashley, and Comfort Tyler — all in citizen^ s clothes 
of the times. 

Harman. Colonel Burr, you and all are most welcome. 

Burr. Greetings to you and your fair lady. 

Harman. We'll show you rooms; retire for a while. 
You must be sore in need of rest. 

Burr. We are. 

And will accept your hospitality. \^Exit all save Peter. 

Peter. A notable and numerous company. 
Now, indeed, my hands will be full of work. 
A grand ball to-night, and many people 
Arriving from the towns and villages. 
We will have good times, music, and dancing, 
ril stroll down to the wharf, and see who's there. \^Exit. 

Enter Burr, Blennerhassett, Comfort Tyler, and 
Major Ashley. 
Burr, A lovelier spot I have never seen, 
And all by your hands ta'en from wild nature. 
All this speaks well for your ability. 
A lovely home, a lovely wife, and babes 
And happiness. What more on earth is there, 



ACT n—SCEi\E L 31 

And yet you might have more ; you are worthy, 

LearDed in science and art ; you are most capable 

To fill any seat; you lack ambition. 

Your place is not here, 'tis next a ruler. 

Our President will do for where he is. 

'Twill not be long that he rules o'er the West. 

Ashley. These plans were discussed at Washington 
By powerful men through the country. 
My most hearty support goes with this cause. 

Tyler. x\ll this 1 know, and I renew my ^Dledge. 

Biirr. Thanks, Ashley and Tyler, my true comrades; 
And now, Blennerhassett, will you join us? 
First come will receive the highest honors. 

Harman. My eyes and ears have been most attentive. 
I must give up all I have to join you ; 
Must leave this home for foreign fields untried. 

Burr. These golden fields are spangled o'er with gen^s 
Beautiful, superb, of priceless value. 
Hold but one, your proud name is registered 
Among the men and powers of the lands. 
Your children will have an inheritance 
Outrivaling the glorious luster 
Of that imperial monarch, Sirius. 
Envious kings and queens will crowd each other, 
Scramble 'mong themselves, and stand on tip-toe 
To satisfy their hungry eager gaze 
On you and yours. 

Harman. This is a glorious plan ; I must join you. 

Ashley. There are many in with us, and all true — 
Commodore Truxton, Adair, and others. 
You will have go;)d company, that is sure. 

Burr. General Wilkinson joins us with troops. 



32 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

At the Cumberland we will be five thousaDd. 

All the Mexicans are anxious for war, 

And will welcome any ruler than Spain. 

Ha, ha, to be rulers of Mexico ! 

And you, my friends, will be courtiers. 

Luxury and plenty, a real life's dream, 

Few know this at present, but all will soon. 

Tis best not tell the crowd, their heads will turn ; 

They will talk too much, and lose their wits. 

Harman. All this is most pleasing; I will join you. 
Here I will grow old and poor, but with you. 
Wealth, fame, a new country, and position. 
Enroll me now. Peter, bring a table. \_CaUs for servant. 
Pen, ink, and paper. \_E}iter servant with same. 

\_Burr hands a pajjer.'] 
Here is the bond which binds us together. 

[^Blennerhassett signs the imper.^ 

Burr. Things v;ritten remain. 

Harman. I am satisfied. 

What will be my duties? 

Burr. What we need most now is money and boats, 
Men and provisions. Til tend to the men. 
You provide the boats and all else you can. 
A goodly number of men will reach here 
With arms and stores and boats. They have orders. 
When you leave, bring all the women you can. 
They are useful in tinies of war and peace. 

Harman. Fifteen boats, with needful stores, I will give. 

Burr. Good pay f)r this you get when we are there. 

Tyler. I and my men will leave this very night. 
Await you at the Cumberland river. 
Fare you well. 



A CT TI—SCENE I. 33 

Fyurr. Major Tyler, farewell ! \^Exit Tyler. 

Harman. We give a ball to our friends this eveuiug. 
You will see many people from around, 
And choose you whom you will select for this. 
No doubt, we can get good men and arms here. 

Burr. We w^ill not purchase arms lest some take fright ; 
But each man provide himself best he can. 
We start not to conquest, but 'twill end so. 
I have made converts at Marietta, 
And shall look around the country for more. 

Harman. We leave you now; go where you please. 
Give me full orders to-morrow\ \_Exit Har. and Ash. 

Burr. Ha, ha ! 

I have him ; what a simple fool, 'tis well. 
An easy task to get him. My daughter! 

Enter Theodosia. 

Theo. You would speak with me? 

Burr. You've seen our hostess. 

Did you speak with her, and what said she? 

. 7/ieo. In great liaste, are you not? 'Tis best go slow, 
For should alarm seize them. 

Burr. 'Twill not seize him. 

Theo. One already? Then the other will come. 

Burr. Did you tell all? 

Tiieo. No, only a little. 

I did not w ish to alarm her. 

Burr. 'Tis well. 

What said she of moving to Washita? 

Theo. She is not much inclined ; she loves her home — 
This lovely island — I do not blame her. 



34 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Burr. Blame do odg; but she will have more when 
there. 

Tlieo. All this and many things I have explained. 
See her at the ball and speak with her. 
I will make preparations and be there. 

Burr, You told her nothing concerning Mexico ? 

Theo. Nothing of the plans. I praised the country, 
And said I longed greatly to live there. 

Burr. And what said she? 

Theo. Words, but nothing to the point. \_Exit 

Burr. A noble daughter ; and a precious scheme. 
My plans, my designs, are my heart's love. 
They must be first. All else must must w^ait on them. 

[Exit 

Scene II. 
A hall in the house. Enter Colonel Burr. 
Burr. Now, am I fairly launched upon the way, 
And all threat'ning clouds fast disappearing ? 
The government shows no signs against me, 
And General Wilkinson is silent. 
I shall set a feast. All who eat with me 
Must henceforth do my will. They wnll be slaves. 
Gaunt hunger gnaws the stomachs of my set; 
They would eat before the meal is prepared. 
The hot viands will hardly cool e'er cropped. 
For these winged creatures are nearly starved. 
But I will hold them in a tightening grasp. 
None shall be favored, lest contention comes. 
E'en now I see the silvery light of morn 
And fortune beck'ning me on to the goal, 
The throne and mines of the Montezumas. 



ACT II— SCENE 11. 35 

Enter Peter, suddenly, 

Peter. Your gracious pardon I ask. 

Burr, Ah, how so? 

You kuow not how to come, or come too soon. 
You come abruptly on me, now explain 
Who sent you? And why are you come to me ? 

Peter. My master. I am a willing servant. 
All is ready, and you are expected. 
Shake off that despondent gloom which you wear, 
For every one expects to see you gay. 

Burr. You are a knowing, witty fool, I see. 

Peter. Not me, yet all fools are witty ; but then 
Every witty one is not a fool. 
It takes a knowing one to play it well. 

Burr. There's learning in you, knave ; I have at you. 
Aye, gayety is my wanton spirit. 
How did you guess it? By sucking your thumbs? 
ril be sworn you have been eavesdropping me. 
I'll have no more of this foolish playing. 
You're too smart ; 'tis a pity you're not larger. 

Peter. If largeness was greatness, I would miss it. 
I stand not high when measured with a tree, 
And my stomach holds only two quarts of beer. 
I am not smart with you, much less a knave. 

Burr. What say you? Take that. [^Cuffsldm,'] 

Peter. Colonel, do not strike me. 

I would do you no harm or injury. 

Burr. Ah, tlie fool weeps. 

Peter. A fool can laugh and cry ; 
And cry because he laughed ; 



36 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

And laugh because he cried. 
See, I laugh now ; ha, ha ! 

Burr, Where is your cap with bells? You should 
wear it. 

Peter. When I play the fool before a king, 
I will wear a cap and make the bells ring. 

Burr. When I am king, you shall be my fool. \_Exit. 

Peter. Lord, what an occupation ; when he's king, 
I must be a fool. I will not pray for't. \_Exit. 

Scene III. 

Ball-room at house. Colonel Burr, Theodosia Alston, 
Harman, Mrs. Blennerhassett, Major Ashley, 
and guests. Only Major Ashley and guests dance the 
Minuet. 

Burr. A beautiful woman. Ah, lucky man 
Who has her affections and her for wife. 

Theo. And as lovely as she is beautiful ; 
Noble traits and a sweet disposition. 

Burr. Ne'er before has w^oman affected me. 

Tl'ieo. You must speak with her; tell her of the plans. 

Burr. Would that you had done so. 

Theo. Here she comes. 

Burr. Most lovely hostess, our talk was of you. 

Tlieo. Indeed so, and we said all that was kind. 
You must be a sister, for I love you. 
I hope our lives will be much together. 

Mrs. Blen. I am so pleased to have you here to-night, 
And hope you will pass the time pleasantly. 
Among my many friends you may find some 



ACT II—SCENE III. 37 

Not quite as brilliant as you might have wished, 
But they are all noble men and women. 

Theo. All w^hom I've met I like. 

Burr. You first of all, 

And none here or elsewhere will rival you. 

Theo. I will return presently. 

Mrs. Blen. Have you danced ? 

Hieo. No ; but I shall the next set. 

Burr. Dear madam. 

Make me a present while I 'm in the mood. 
Give me that pretty rose which lies content, 
Nestling near your heart in lovely bower. 

Mrs. Blen. This rose you may have; few who would 
wish it. 

Burr. I will treasure it, and only for you. 

Mrs. Blen. O, fie I You must not think on those things, 
Or else I will withold the gift. 

Burr. Do not 

Be so cruel, I shall be much saddened. 
When men have desires they are undone 
Till they succeed in capture. Be gentle. [^Hands rose.'] 
Come, may I dance with you in the next set ? 

Mrs Blen. After the guests are placed, then Til with 
you. 

Burr. Or let us walk out on the balcony. 
A pleasant talk with you I '11 prize most dear. 

Mrs. Blen. If the sets are full I will go with you. 

Burr. I hope they are full ; also, I hope not. 
Which pleasure I wish I do not know. 
To be at your side, look into your eyes, 
To be near you, is what I desire. 



38 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Mrs. Blen. You must not say that. I will call the sets. 
\_Dance the Minuet.~\ 

Harman. I have talked with your father of his plans, 
And have consented. You will be with us? 

Theo. I am w-ith my father, heart and spirit. 

Harman. Do you return East? 

Theo. Yes ; to my husband. 

But we both come West shortly. 

Harman. We move at once, and leave here forever. 
This place will be sold, for we need money. 

TJieo. Can you not retain this dear island home ; 
Your wife may be unwilling to lose it ? 

Harman. No; I have invested much money here. 
Am almost ruined. There's no income here. 
The future holds out most pleasing favors. 

Tlieo. Hear me, sir; do not run so far from home, 
After the bow, that you can not return. 

Harman. You prick my brain ; I never thought on 
that. 
But I have signed and given my word, 
Which is my honor, so I will stand fast. 

Theo. I do not suggest that you now withdraw% 
But said only of retaining this home. 

Harman. Much as I would like, it can not be. 
How little I know ; Tm taught by this girl. 

Theo. Best of men betimes listen to women. 

Harman. This I have heard, but never did believe 
They could give safe counsel. 

Theo. 'Tis worth regard. 

Harman. 'Tis only fools who will not take advice. 
My wife's counsels have always been spurned. 
In future I will take more heed of her. 



ACr If— SCENE III. 39 

Theo. You will not go far amiss, my friend. [_Rdire. 
\_Enter messenger convert from iniUiia. 

Mess. Colonel Burr, I crave a hearing from yon. 
The message I bring is of importance. 

[^Exit all, save Burr and Ilarmnn, and Mess. 

Burr. Come, talk aside, what is it brings you here? 

Mess. Edward Tiffin, Governor of Ohio, 
By orders, has passed a bill in the House. 
'Tis Avidely known. Here is a copy of it. 

Burr. By w^hose orders has this been done? I'll read. 
From President Jefferson ; the meddler. 
He puts his hands and face in every thing. 

3Iess. Speak not so 'gainst our gracious president. 
We Western people love and esteem him. 
'Twould be cousin to treason to talk thus. 

Burr. I meant not so. Do many here love him ? 

Mess. Aye sir, the whole country, few exceptions. 

Burr reads: 
" Well authenticated information 
Has reached us, that war-like preparations 
Through the West, and in your neighbcn^iood, 
Which is intent 'gainst our country's peace. 
Guard well your water-ways, and let none pass. 
With the Spanish countries we are at peace." 

Harman. By my patron, St. Patrick, this is news. 
Who leads this? Where and what is this movement? 

Burr. Some wicked people have said it is me. 

Mess. You are not named in this, though 'tis said so. 
Your converts from the militia is told. 

Burr. Misinformed, vicious peo[)le, have done this. 
There is no truth in this report at all. 
As far as Colonel Burr is concern'd in't. 



40 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Mess. Colonel Phelps has called the militia out. 
They will be here soon. 

Burr. Go, report at once. 

Tell at headquarters what you have heard. 
I will answer to those in authority — 
Yet, hold, tell them there is some great mistake. \_Exit 

Burr to Har. Friend, all this will cause us grave vexation. 
I can not answer to Colonel Hugh Phelps. 
I have not witnesses, and do not care 
To be detained with useless argument. 
AVe'U answer at the right time when we please. 
I will leave here to-night, so fare-you-well. [^Exit. 

Harman. I '11 be soon with you — 

What strange things happen? 
Some idle, worthless folks, have started this. 
We are in the right, and we will show them, 
When we are ready, as he has just said. 
We do not start war against this country, 
Nor do we go against the government. 
We may have to kill a few Indians, 
And some Spaniards, but that is nothing. 

Enter Colonel Phelps, in uniform, and Officer Graham, 
in citizen's dress. 
Harman. Friends, I give you welcome. Why are you 
come ? 
You come with troops. Tell me the import oft. 

Phelps. \_Aside.~\ 'T is strange he says all this; does he 
not know ? 
Or can it be that he has been lied to? 

\_To Har.\ I have orders to stop and arrest all 
Who are connected with this conspiracy. 



ACT II— SCENE III. 41 

Colonel Burr is here, and his plans are known, 
And you are directly engaged with him. 
He is plotting 'gainst our country's welfare. 
He would have civil war; and if this fails, 
A conquest of Mexico he desires. 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Carolina, 
Georgia, and Ohio are to be bribed 
With plunder of the Spanish provinces. 
With the Washita mask he deludes some. 
Napoleon and George of England both say 
Americans shall not cut Spanish throats, 
And this is pleasing to our government. 
Wherefore have citizens the right to bring 
Trouble and war on a peaceful country? 
Federal government should be supreme ; 
No state or party shall usurp the power. 

Harman. 'T is true Burr has been here, but he has 
gone ; 
'T is true that I am connected with him ; 
'T is true that many more will join us here ; 
But not for the purpose you allege. 

Graham. \_Aside. Is he a knave or a deluded fool ? 
He has great sticking qualities, at least. 
Burr put on the cloth ; he'll not remove it.] 
We come to give you warning — pray, take heed. 
No arrests have been made, but soon will be. 
Withdraw at once from this outrageous scheme. 

Harman. 'T 'is news you bring, but you are in the 
wrong. 
It will be most unjust to arrest us; 
We go peacefully to settle out West. 

Plielpn. Take our advice ; countermand your orders 



42 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

For boats and stores ; avoid dire destruction, 
Wiiich you'll surely meet if you continue. 

Harman. I will not withdraw ; I am in the right. 

Fhelps. I come here with soldiers and this order 
To warn you and arrest this Colonel Burr ; 
But he has taken flight and departed. 
Open your eyes; or, if they are open, 
See and understand that you will be lost. 
There are none so blind as those who won't see. 

Harman. Part paid now, I will have my boats and 
stores. 

Phelps. ■ Your boats and stores for this will be detained. 

Harman. I will test this in the courts to-morrow\ 

Graham. Will you stick to Burr, now that you know 
all? 

Harman. Indeed, 'tis you who knows all, and not me. 
You retail here some mischievous plans, 
Which I do not know about, and care less. 
I will remain in this, just where I am. 

Graham. I am sent by gracious hands in powder 
To guard against or right a wrong that's done. 
We leave you to your fate. \_^Exeant Phelps and Graham. 

Harman. Burr has enemies, this is very plain ; 
Also, he has wise and powerful friends. 
'T is well he did not stay and waste his time. 
They know^ it all ; nothing can be told them. 

Enter Peter. 
Peter. Good master, the soldiers crowd each other 
At the wharf, there are so many of them. 
Tlie guests are in alarm ; many have gone. 



ACT II— SCENE III. 43 

Harman. Has Tyler gone? If not, I leave with him. 

Peter. They pushed off this evening. 

Harman. I will follow. 

Get ready a boat, with four good oarsmen. 
Go quietly and quickly— tell no one. 
Will meet them at the creek directly. 
Orders will be given you to-morrow. 

Peter. Good master, can you not delay till morn ? 
Ill-omens, with their fur-covered bodies. 
With clawed beaks, hands for feet, and quilled hair. 
Hang on all the trees with their heads downward ; 
And they all smell of the mold-covered tomb. - 
At this peculiar time you should stay here. 

Harman. Imperative business calls me away. 
Follow strictly all orders I send you. 
There are to be great happenings throughout the West. 
If you knew more of the present times, 
You would see that I am acting wisely. 

Peter. I do not doubt your course; but, good master, 
These soldiers already are unruly. 

Harman. Colonel Phelps will not let things go amiss. 
Tell him that I have gone; you attend him. 
Your faithfulness to me will now be tried. [_Exeunt. 

Eater Phelps, and sergeant in full uniform. 
Phelps. Sergeant, place a picket on the east points ; 
Armed men are expected to land to-night. 
Place all under arrest, and tie the boats. 
Be firm, but gentle ; bring them before me. [^E.vcn)d. 



44 IRAGICAL HISTORY OF AAROX BURR. 

Enter Mrs. Blennerhassett, ivith her two Utile boys and 

Peter. 

Mrs. Blen. Peter, come here. Tell me what all this 
means. 
My Harman, Colonel Burr and his daughter, 
All have gone, and soldiers take possession 
Of our home, intent upon destruction. 

Peter. I have not been informed. Instructions are : 
Hold my tongue ; keep secluded ; attend you ; 
Think not too much ; and, what you think, keep it ; 
Attend to my affairs, such as they 've been. 

Mi's. Bleu. You Ve told me some, now tell me all you 
know. 
Your face and actions belie your words. 

Peter. Kind mistress, all is not well; all have fled. 
No one should flee who goes away in peace — 
Suspicion rests on him who runs away. 
The trip out West is the cause of all this ; 
Some dire plot and wrong seems joined w^th it. 
That Colonel Burr is to be arrested, 
And calamity fall on those with him, 
Is now the talk and rumors set abroad. 
Some boats and soldiers will be here to-night. 
Who go out West. We can leave with them, if 
You think it w^ell. Master's boats will be held. 

[(rim shot. 

Mrs. Blen. We will go ; make haste, and get in readi- 
ness. 
To remain here will be certain death. [^Exit Peter. 
Do n't cry, my little ones, I will protect you. 
O, Harman, why have you deserted me ? 



A CT II—SCENE III. 45 

Enter servant. 
Servant. Good lady, the soldiers and their comrades 
Are cutting the trees, and firing the barn, 
And destroying every thing in their reach. 
We do all we can to prevent these things, 
But are powerless ; they drive us away. 

Mrs. Blen. O, God in heaven, have I sinned 'gainst 
Thee ? [^Exit servant. 

Forgive me. Help me and my little babes. 

Ent^r Phelps, sergeant, and female servant. 

Phelps. Dear madam. 

Mrs. Blen. Most welcome friend, help me now. 

Phelps. Orders are given ; lawlessness shall cease. 
I've ne'er seen its equal, and ne'er wish to. 
And those who trespass will repent the day — 
Some may look into the mouths of guns for it. 
Command me, madam, I will serve you. 

Mrs. Blen. May I go away? 

Phelps. Select your own time. 

Mrs. Blen. Some boats reach here to-night ; they go 
out West. 

Phelps. If they are not detained you may join them. 

Mrs. Blen. Why should they be detained? 

Phelps. There is danger 

If they are with Burr they will be detained. 
Some grave rumors are abroad about him ; 
Troops have been ordered out to stop his plans. 
Know you as much as Harman of his })lans? 

Mrs. Blen. All I know is to settle Washita. 
I do not like it, and told Harman so ; 



46 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

But he insists, and I must follow him. 
But see, our home is now being destroyed. 
Once my loved home, but soon all will be gone — 
Ruin, waste, and want will soon reign here. 
Owls, bats, and reptiles will be tenants. 

Phelps. A likely future, but do not grieve so. 
'T's not too late for Harman to withdraw 
From this unlawful plan of Colonel Burr. 
I've tried to dissuade him from this venture, 
But he will not hear me. He will be lost. 
Ex-Vice-President Burr is a traitor. 

Mrs. Blen. O, God, and we have been misled by Burr! 
Forgive, forgive us, we are not guilty. 
Oh, Harman, please come back! O, Colonel Phelps, 
We have not joined with this intention ; 
We are not guilty ; we are not guilty ; 
The gallows — the gallows — no — no, no, no ! \Sivoons. 

\_Curtain.^ 

ACT III-SCENE I. 

General Wilkinson's headquarters at New Orleans. Dis- 
covered, General Wilkinson asleep on a couch ; two 
corporals under arms at the door — Lieutenants Gush- 
ing, Porter, Sw^ann, Kingsbury. All in full uni- 
form. Table and chairs. 
Porter. Lieutenant Swann, peace, let him sleep. 
Gushing. Comrades, 

He has had a long journey from Sabine ; 

Night and day lie has been in the saddle. 

In order to reach here he has braved 

Fatigues beyond endurance of most men. 



ACT III— SCENE I. 47 

Swann. I am anxious to have my commission, 
And be on my way to the British ships. 

Oashing. His delay will not embarrass you. Wait. 
When you receive your orders, then let your 
Anxiety seize you for fulfillment. 

Porter. Cimie, talk aside, that we may not wake him. 

Swann. Gushing, relate to us of the visit 
Of Samuel Swartwout at Nalchitoehes. 

Gushing. One niorning, without shadow, he appeared 
With a letter from General Dayton, 
Stating that he had important business. 
He requested to see the general, 
Which was, of course, at once complied with. 
The general asked him what he wanted. 
He said he had come from New York, and that 
He was told that the troops and militia 
Were assembling against the Spaniards. 
He wished to be enrolled as a volunteer. 
It did not take long to see through the ruse. 
He produced some papers, then strolled out. 

Swann. Did Swartwout remain to hear the contents? 

Gushing. No; he knew all about it. He remained 
In camp a short while, then suddenly left. 
The papers which he bore were in ci[)her, 
From Colonel Burr, and ran something like this: 
'' I will land one thousand men at Natchez ; 
Thousands of slaves in your territory 
Are ready. I have placed leaders 'mong them. 
We siege Baton Rouge, New Orleans, then 
To Mexico. Be ready with your troops. 
A vast amount of money can be had 
At New Orleans; also, fi'om the S[)aniards." 



48 IRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

The general was completely unhorsed. 

His remount was exceedingly clever. 

He said, ^' I do not like this. He has chang'd 

From that of a colony to conquest. 

He still wishes to force me into it. 

Now do I know the plot is really on ?" 

Swann. Well, that was enough to enliven camp. 

Cushing, Yes, it did, most effectually. 
A messenger from Officer Graham 
Arrived in a few days, from Marietta, 
With a dispatch containing more news : 
'^ Aaron Burr is a leader in a plot 
'Gainst the peace and welfare of our country. 
President Jefferson has been advised. 
Boats, men, and military stores have 
Been seized at Marietta by the zeal 
And promptness of Governor Tiffin, 
Of Ohio. Burr was arrested at 
Lexington, Kentucky, upon charges 
Preferred by J. H. Daviess, attorney. 
Popular feeling is with Colonel Burr. 
'T is said the Federalists are 'gainst him. 
The honorable court either did not 
Or could not know the truth. He has escaped." 

Swann. War with foreign powers is bad enough, 
But internal strife and treason is worse. 

Gushing. Porter received orders to have ready 
One hundred men, and go to New Orleans, 
Bearing letters to Governor Claiborne, 
To secure the French artillery, and 
Stop and board all crafts descending the river; 
Advise the commander at Vera Cruz. 



A CT III— SCENE I. 49 

Lieutenant Smith was sent to Washington 
With papers to President Jefferson. 
The General at once left for Sabine. 
I came here with all available men. 

tSiuann. What pretext has Colonel Burr to ground the 
Idea of the general's assistance? 

Gushing. In seventeen eighty-nine there was a plan 
To annex Mexico, but it fell through. 
The general and Governor Miro, 
Also the Spanish minister, agreed 
That it would be good for all concerned. 
'T was favored by the administration. 
Things have chang'd since then, aud the general 
Has gone on with the grand march of the events. 
Burr still thinks it is eighty-nine. Ha! ha! 

Swann. He is a bold, dangerous man. 

CusJiing. Oh, yes; 

There's nothing he wont do to gain his ends. 
Poor, deluded would-be usurpers ; 
They had better make a trip to Mars, 
Than hope to execute their present plans. 

Porter. He moves; perchance he dreams; let's have 
quiet. 

Enter tivo women , clad in white, representing Mars and Themis, 
Mars in armor, and Themis with tvreaih and scales ; they 
approach the couch, and make a few passes, such as the seal 
of Jupiter and the seal of Mars, or other appropriate signs. 
These signs are set out in Appendix of this play. 
Mars. All hail, Commander Wilkinson ! 

War is on ; there 's work to be done. 

Hark! hark! the buo;le and the drums 



50 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Proclaim to you — the foe, he comes. 
Arise! and call the soldiers in. 
Instruct them on the battle's din. 
Now let the war-horse champ his bit, 
Shot and fire the cannons spit. 
Send red ruin throughout the land, 
Where'er a traitor lifts his hand. 
In you the people look for strength 
To crush his cruel plans at length. 
Put on your armor, draw your blade, 
Nor rest you till the last is laid 
Under the sod. 

Tliemis. All hail, Commander Wilkinson! 
May your laurels by peace be won. 
The standard of the law now raise, 
And on it let the people gaze. 
These frightened souls are in alarm. 
Protect and shield them from all harm. 
To mete out justice to each one. 
By gentle measures shall be done. 
No cruelties shall your hands know. 
Let all in peace to their homes go. 
Malignant men on land and sea 
Will brand you with the Fleiir de lis; 
But do not waver. Be firm and true. 
They'll rue the day when they mark you ; 
So be it done. [^Exeunt Mars and Themis. 

Wilkinson. \^Aivakes.'\ Lieutenants, did you call? 

Ciishing. No, General. 

Wilkinson. Did none approach my couch? I had a 
dream. 



ACT III—SCENE I, 51 

Gushing. No, General ; we wished to leave you sleep. 

Wilkinson. Then no matter. 

Gushing. Can we serve you ? 

Wilkinson. Yes, yes. . 

Lieutenant Swann, here are my dispatches. 
Safely guard them, and go by first boat to 
Jamaica. Hand them to Admiral Drake. 

Swann. The boat leaves to-night. I wall go with it. 

\_Exit Swann. 

Enter messenger. Hands note to Wilkinson. 
Wilkinson reads : 
*' I will call on you to-day. — Governor Glaiborne.^' 

Enter messenger. Hands notice to Wilkinson. \_Exit Mess. 

Wilkinson reads: 
"Aaron Burr, with men and arms, has reached Natchez. 
General Adair is on his way to New Orleans. — John 

Graham. ^^ 
Gushing, take a guard and arrest at once 
P. V. Ogden and Samuel Swartwout. lExit Gush. 

Enter messenger. Hands notice to Wilkinson. \_Exit Mess. 

Wilkinson reads : 
" Your papers have reached me. General Eaton has made a 
Gonfession. Offers from the military companies of 
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Boston of* their 
Aid have been received. You are in charge of the troops. 
Also call to your aid the militia in your district. 
Will forward no men from here at present. — Thomas Jeffer- 
son^ President of the United States." 



52 TRAGICAL HISIORY OF AARON BURR. 

Enter messenger Hands notice to Wilkinson, \^Exit Mess. 

Wilkinson reads : 

"" General Adair, in charge of men and arms, has touched 

The wharf. — Lieutenant Edmund sJ^ 

Lieutenant Kingsbury, here are orders 

For the arrest of General Adair. [^Exit King. 

Enter Governor Claiborne. 

Wilkinson. Governor Claiborne, Tm glad to see you. 
Claiborne. General, these are stirring times; what 



new: 



;? 



Wilkinson. I have concluded peace with the Spaniards 
At the Sabine river. Read these papers. [Hands dispatches. 
Have you made request to suspend the \vrit? 

Claiborne. Yes. 

Wilkinson. When will martial law be proclaimed ? 

Claiborne. I can not name the exact minute now. 
Have you a messenger? 

Wilkinson. At your service. 

Claiborne. Here are orders to put an embargo 
On all vessels. Have this j^ublished at once. ^Exit Mess. 
I have word that the militia has been 
Tampered with by some unprincipled men 
And wicked politicians. I can not 
Confide much in them. 

Wilkinson. That's deplorable. 

Claiborne. I have ordered an investigation. 

Wilkinson. Here are my orders for the arrest of 
Major Floyd and Dr. Eric Bollmann. [^Exit Porter, 



ACT III— SCENE L 53 

Enter a court deputy. Hands notice to Wilkinson. [^Exit Mess. 

Wilkinson reads: 
Well, well, a writ of habeas corpus, 
Made returnable to Judge James Workman. 
They resort to the quirks and quibbles now. 
Tlie arm of a prejudiced court is sought. 
To what dirty uses a court of law 
Can be brought. 

Claiborne. This is not his first action. 

He stands in with both Livingston and Clarke. 
He oppos'd the merchants' public meeting, 
To devise means to protect the city. 
It would be strange should he not distinguish 
Himself soon in some other brilliant way. 

Wilkinson. The present argues he is aching for't. 

Claiborne. The present argues he will ache for it. 

Wilkhison. Pending the act, I will not notice this. 

Claiborne. Their decision should be made known to-day. 

Wilkinson. I will hole it. 

Claiborne. It should be holed. 

Wilkinson. He may want it. 

Claiborne. He should want for it. 

Wilkinson. Then it goes. 

Claiborne. If it goes, it must not stay. 

Wilkinson. I mean it stays; but it stays while it goes. 

Enter Cushing. 
dishing. General, the prisoners are in jail. 

Enter Judge James Workman. 
Wilkinson. Good day, judge ; is the court over? 



54 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Claiborne. No, do ; 

He has come to court you over. 

Workman. My friends 

Affairs are unpleasant and serious. 
These war-like proceedings have alarmed 
And frightened the people beyond control. 
They are entirely unwarranted. 
The civil authority is ignored, 
And the people's liberty imperiled. 
Governor Claiborne, I appeal to you 
On behalf of the civil authority; 
And, General, I demand that you shall 
Honor the process and writs of the law. 
I demand that the prisoners be freed. 

Claiborne. Judge, the executive has no power 
To liberate the parties who are jailed. 
Power lies with the judiciary; 
But these are no common times, which you know, 
And the delays incident to the law 
Should not be used for delays only. 

Wilkinson. No man holds higher in respect than I 
The laws of this country ; but mark you now. 
The present times warrant means to guard 
Against the uplifted hand of Treason, 
Horrors of anarchy and civil war. 
The charges 'gainst those whom I've arrested 
Is misprision of treason against the 
Government of the United States. 
I have seized them, as I shall all others, 
Without regard to standing or station. 
And all law-abiding citizens need 
Not fear arrest. 



ACT IlI—SCENE L 55 

Claiborne. An iiDlawful act has not yet been done, 
And Judge Matthews will not be able to 
Hang the general for what he has done. 
If this uprising is not taken by 
The throat it will cause much blood to undo. 

Wilkinson. I am fully aware that by the law 
Purchase of arras and boats is no offense. 
'Tis the design, overt act, and intent. 
Which are considered actionable, and 
We have proof that all of these have been done. 
Any blackguard can swear out a writ, 
And the court can not take notice of him. 
When I am ready, I will make returns, 
But not now ; not now. 

Workman. I will summon you before the court. 

Wilkinson. That remark, at this time, is unworthy 
Of any judge. 

Workman. I will see if the courts 
Are to be trampled upon. 

Claiborne. Pah, Workman. 

Wilkinson. Judge, look out for your robes. The bench 
is white. 
You should be as white and clean as the bench. 

Workma7i. I will not tolerate this insult. 

Wilkinson. You came here without request, and none care 
Whether you will or will not tolerate. 
'T is fitting for the military court 
To preside at this time on these cases. 
It is more speedy than the civil courts, 
But equally just and reassuring.. 
There are no lawyers to split the split hairs, 
And no judges who have been corroded 
By the bi'cath of faction. 



56 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Enter messenger. Hands notice to AVilkinson. \_Exit 

Mess. 

Worhnan. Judges have indeed much to encouuter. 
Every case takes its own especial route. 

WUhinson. And every route is lined with guards. 
The race of honest ones is not extinct. 
I will return shortly. \_Exit Wilkinson. 

Claiborne. He is honest. 

Workman. I do not like him. 

Claiborne. No one thought of you when he was born. 

Workman. There's much said against him in the city. 

Claiborne. This is mere malice ; for his enemies 
Report every thing that envy can suggest 
To depreciate his worth and character. 

Workman. But he must respect the law, and produce 
The prisoners; and if I can get no 
Aid from you I will resign. 

Claiborne. I shall keep the stand which I have taken. 

Workman. Then you shall receive my resignation. 

Claiborne. AH papers you send me with this intent 
Will be acceptable and received. 
Be a discreet and law-abiding man. 
The general will not brook trifling. 

Enter Wilkinson. 

Workman. Will you respect the mandates of the court? 

Wilkinson. Not now; not now. 

Workman. By the Gods of heaven, 

You shall hear from me ; you shall hear from me. 

Wilkinson. Pah ! Out upon this outrageous oathing. 
Poor man, calling on the Gods of heaven. 



SCENE in— ACT 1. 57 

Of hell, of earth, of fantastic idols, 
Of hobgoblins, and of the holy wind. 
To obey his whims to wreak his vengeance, 
Or to dislocate the laws of nature. 
Because his brain is caught by a humor, - 
Is foolish. 

Workman. You shall hear from me. 

Wilkinson. Quite likely. 

\_Exit Workman. 

Claiborne. N^ature seems to have gone amiss on him. 
His deformities are subjects for pity. 

Wilkinson. He is an Acteus, who picks up the water 
Out of the river Styx, and sprinkles it on 
The earth, from whence proceeds calamities. 

Enter Messenger. Hands Claiborne a notice. 
Claiborne. Do n't be surprised, general; here it is. 
Workman's resignation. I shall accept. 
Take this to the judge. [^Exit Mess. 

Enter Kingsbury and Porter. 
Kingsbury. General, your orders have been executed. 
Judge Workman, with some militia, beat *' to arms" 
In the street, and great excitement reigns. 

Wilkinson. Porter, here are orders for the arrest 
Of Judge James Workman. Take him to the fort. 

[Exit Porter. 
Claiborne. James Workman, we have heard from you, 
indeed. 
I expected it. The fellow has lost 
His meaojer allowance of wits. Ha! ha! 



58 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Wilkinson. Before I will permit these proceedings, 
I will crowd full the forts aud jails. 
Lieutenant Gushing, take one company 
To the scene of this disturbance. \_Exit Gush. 

Enter Messenger. Hands notice to Wilkinson. \^Exit Mess. 

Wilkinson. \_Reads,'] ^ 'Aaron Burr has been arrested 
at Bayou Pierre, 
But has escaped ; expect an uprising among the slaves 
In your district. — General George Poindexter.^' 

Wilkinson. Kingsbury, get ready six companies 
Of cavalry. Gome here for the orders. \_Exit Kingsbury 
All this, and I have not fired a shot. 

Claiborne. No need of it, if you can do Avithout. 

Wilkinson. I trust it may be so. 

Enter Messenger. Hands notice to Wilkinson. 
Wilkinson. \_Beads.^ " Recent reports from yon, and 
of you, are satisfactory. 
And approved. — Tlioraas Jefferson, President.^' 
Claiborne. General, I congratulate you. 
[Cwrtoin.] 

Scene II. 
A hall at the Inn at Wakefield. Enter landlord. 
Landlord. Vel dis nodice vas bring me here to-day, 
Und dat solger he say to me dat I, 
Dis nodice, may be hanged up riglit avay. 
Hang dat nodice mit a viewable place. 
Der guvenor say dis business to him. 
O yah, say I, you habe ein beer mit me. 



ACT lU-SCENE II. , 59 

Yah, Dutchy, say he, I vill habe ein beer. 

Nein, nein, my name vas Jacob Kroutzmeyer, 

Uud he laugh und he stay mit me flinf beer. 

I care me not ; he vos a nice feller. 

Dat vas arranged very nice, dis money. 

Two dowsand dollers reward ; I catcli him. 

Und dat Guvenor he wants him catched. 

I do me my best for dat Guvenor, 

He vas a nice man down in New Orleans, 

Und dhose peobles say so much about him. 

If dat Mister Perkins sees dis nodice ; 

He vas much excited already now. 

I vas a loyal man to Faderland, 

Und to dis country I vas now de same. 

So dis Guvenor business I fix me. 

I stick me dis nodice mit the bar. [^Exit. 



$2,000 

rOR THE ARREST OF 

AARON BURR. 



PROCLAMATION BY 

W. C, C. CLAIBORNE, 

Governor of Louisiaiui. 



60 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 



Scene III. 

Tavern scene at Wakefield. Discovered, Nicholas Perkins, 
Sheriff Theodore Bright well, playing backgam- 
mon ; Kate, daughter of landlord. A small bar, two 
tables, chairs, and stove. 

Bright. Tis my throw. I have you ; you have lost. 

Perkins. We will have another game. Kate, kindly 
Fill up our glasses. 

Bright. And spare the water. 

Perkins. Prepare for defeat. Have you heard the 
news? 

Bright. Of what import ? 

Perkins. Colonel Burr has escaped 

From Geueral Poindexter, at Pierre. 

Bright. Reports to me said he was arrested, 
And was to be tried before Judge Bruiu. 

Perkins. Aye, but there was something wantiug in the 
Proceedings of the grand jury also. 
Judge Bruin assumed the distinguished 
Role of advocate, casting off his robes. 
So Colonel Burr, being released on bail. 
Did not appear in court upon summons. 
He has made an ignominious flight. 
Leaving all his men, boats, and stores behind. 

Bright. That is positively disgusting. 

Perkins. It is most remarkable that the judge 
Should prostitute himself to Colonel Burr. 

Bright. And still we wonder at crime. 

Perkins. If General Wilkinson should get him — 



ACT II IS CENE IIL 6 1 

Well, there are no flutamagildas with 

The General — that would be the end of Burr. 

Bright. Perkins, every one swears by Wilkinson. 
Indeed, he is a most noble, true num. 

Perkins. Every one loves and esteems him. 

Bright. I say, 

Is there reward offered ? 

Perkins. 'Tis so set forth 

In recent dispatches come to the fort. 
We should not wait for offers of rewards. 
Proclamation for arrest is enough. 
Traitors should be arrested for their crimes; 
And meet punishment according to law 
Should be unconditionally given. 
Shall we hang a man for the killing of one, 
Yet another, \vho would slaughter thousands 
Of men, defenseless women and children. 
And attempt the ruin of his country, 
Go free and unmolested through the land 
Until a reward is offered ibrhim. 
And much discussion as to quality 
And quantity of same before action 
Be determined for his apprehension ? 
Methinks this is weak patriotism. 
Men have fought and died for tyrant rulers, 
For kings and queens, and for religion's sake. 
Is there a man so base who would withhold 
To help a free country in times of need? 
We want no rewards for actions like these. 
Rewards are not given to hire men, 
To pay them for their loyalty. No, no. 
But to reimburse them for expenses. 



62 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Come I on him, or he on me, I would 
Make a prisoner of him right shortly. 
Come, what say you? Would you join me in this? 

Bright Aye, and quickly. We w^ill have one more 
glass. 
A good hot brimmer this time. 

Enter Jacob. 

Jacob. Mine friends. 

Bright, Ah, Jacob, what have you? 

Jacob. Dot vas some Guvenor business. 

Perkins. AVell ! well ! 

The Governor's reward for the arrest 
Of Colonel Burr. Sheriff, here is your chance. 

Jacob. Vhere shall we hang him ? 

Perkins. Let me assist you. 

We will hang it here. It will be in view. 

Jacob. Dats what the solger say ; in vieu, in vieu. 

Bright. Ha, that is grand. 

Perkins. The notice already 

Has worked its charm. 

Bright. I did not mean it. 

Perkins. I did not intend any reflections; 
Only it is quite a stimulator. 

Bright. To-morrow, Til look about the county. 
Come, Perkins, let's go home ; I feel quite tired. 

Perkins. Don't delay for my sake. I shall remain. 

Bright. Jacob, is my horse ready? 

Jacob. Yah, he vas. 

Bright. Come out and help me. Good night to you all. 
All important business in this district 



A CT III -SCENE III. 63 

Should be made known to me. If any news 

Of Colonel Burr reaches here, send for me. [^Exeunt, 

Perkins. Good nia^ht. 

Kate. Poor sheriff, he drinks a little too much. 

Perkins. He will forget it, and begin over 
To-morrow. But we will forget him now. 
We will talk on a theme more to our liking. 
Dear Kate, tell me you. love me. 

Kate. Indeed, I do. 

PerMns. And you will be my dear little wife. 

Kate. Yes. 

Perkins. Dear Kate, when will you name the day ? 

Kate. We will be married next month. 

Perkins. I love you. 

Enter Jacob. 

Jacob. Veil, my children, some more of dat vedding? 
Kate. Yes, father. 

Jacob. Veil, have you fixed dat time yet? 

Perkins. Next month is the time. You will consent? 
Jacob. O yah, I love you both very much. 
Perkins. And we both love you. Don't we, Kate. 
\_Loiid rapping at the door. Burr in disguise dress, and boy. 
Perkins. Ho, without ! 
Jacob. Two horsemen. 

E7iter Burr and Guide. Burr's disguise: long overcoat, 
tvith cape of coarse stuff, gray color ; coarse pantaloons 
of copperas dye ; a coat of drab cloth, wide brimmed 
beaver hat (white, but soiled), ttvo large pistols in his 
belt. Guide : in home- spun, coarse cloth, large shmch 
hat, pantaloons in the tops of heavy boots, one large 
pistol in Ids belt. 



64 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Jacob. Friecdts, come in and varm yourself. 

Burr. Boreas is out with his little boy ; 
They have great sport with lonely travelers. 
Tis very welcome and inviting here. 
Landlord, give us a glass of something warm, 
Then tell us the road to Colonel Hinson's, 
We put up there to-night. 

Perkins. 'Tis not easily pointed out, friends ; 
Seven miles over a dangerous road, 
With many turns and fordings. 

Jacob. Youst stay 

Till morning, I vill send a guide mit you. 

Burr. I thank you for your hospitality ; 
We can not delay. 

Jacob. Veil, I will do my best ; 

Come to the door. 

Burr. Give us something to eat, 

And another glass — you keep good liquor ; 
We have had a rough ride to-night. 

Kate. Sir, what may I bring you ? 

Burr. O, some warm dish. 

Jacob. Kate, yoitst fix up a varm lunch. \^Exit Kate. 
Sirs, I will fix your horses mit the shed. 

\_E.vit Jacob. 

Burr. The roads are not well kept in this district. 

Perkins. Work on them will be started soon. 

Burr. How far 

Is it to the Pensacola road ? 

Perkins. To the nearest point it's about twelve miles, 
But it is not laid out near Hinson's house. 



ACT III— SCENE III. 65 

Enter Kate, with dishes. Sets the table for Burr. The 
guide eats at the bar. Burr sits at the table. 

Enter Jacob. 

Jacob. You have nice horses, my friendt, imd 
Very nice saddles. 

Burr. They cost a round sum. 

Every thing is high priced through the West. 

Jacob. Dat was so, but we soon have better times. 

Jacob goes behind the bar. Perkins and Kate talk off at 
one side. Burr talks aside. 

Burr. I have had a close escape with my life. 
'Tis best escape with one's life, than without. 
The soldiers are much inflamed. 
Demonstrations at Pierre denote ill. 
Should their sentiments spread to the people, 
I may meet with personal violence. 
Civil authority is much debauched. 
When the voice of the mob fills judicial chairs. 
When party aid outweighs capacity, 
When ignorance and arrogance controls 
Learning and character, look for the fall. 
But, this is to be found in Republics. 

Kate. Fine looking, distinguished traveler. 
Any noted people expected here? 

Perkins. I have heard of none. 

Kate. He has small feet, 

And such bright eyes; si'C how he looks around? 
That slouch hat ill becomes his handsome face. 

Perkins. Watch him ; he is looking; at the notice. 



66 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Kate. He is surprised ; he shakes a little. 

Burr. I say, landlord, when did you get that card ? 

Jacob. Der solger bring him, und dat vas nodice 
For Colonel Burr to stay away from here. 

Burr. Should he come here, and you apprehend him, 
You receive two thousand dollars reward. 
It has been told he has caused much trouble. 
That he wants to fight the Western people. 
The soldiers and people wish to catch him ? 

Jacob. Yah, yah, dat vas so, und we catch him sure. 
Habe you seen dat Colonel Burr, mein friendt? 

Butt. Yes, I saw him once at Philadelphia. 

Jacob. Vhat do he look like, mein friendt? 

Burr. Like a man. 

Jacob. Veil, what shape man ? 

Butt. O, nothing especial. 

Just a common, ordinary, plain man. 

Jacob. Do he look like me ? 

Butt. No, not very much. 

Jacob. Dat General Vilkinson ordered out 
Die troops, und he will catch him very soon. 

Butt. We will know more about that after while. 
Colonel Burr has many friends in the West. 
It will be difficult to entrap him. 

Jacob. Dat vas so, he vas a very sharp man. 

Butt. Where is Colonel Burr now ? 

Jacob. Die solger say 

At Bayou Pierre, but I do not know. 

PeTkins [aside]. Where have I heard descriptions of 
that face ? 
That man is in disguise ; now I have it. 
My dear Kate, I have some news, be quiet. 



ACT IIl—SGENE III. 67 

Kate, I will. 

Perkins. That is Colonel Burr. 

Kate. O, my God ; 

That traitor in this house ; O, Nicholas ! 

Perkins. Be quiet, Kate. 

Kate. O, I am ^o frighten'd. 

Perkins. You must help me. 

Kate, What shall I do? 

Perkins. Listen: 

I must go to the fort for Captain Gaines. 
And you must keep him here till I return. 
You must be a brave little girl. 

Kate. I will. 

Perkins. How can I escape so he won't see me ? 

Kate. Go up stairs, and climb over the porch. 
Take one of father's horses from the barn. 
He may hear if you take your horse ; besides, 
That boy will notice when he goes out. 

Perkins. Now, dear Kate, give me a bottle of wine. 
For pretence, I will go. You must be brave. 

Kaie. Father, I will get that bottle of wine 
For Mister Perkins. 

Perkins. I will assist you. \_Exit Kate and Perk. 

Jacob. All right, mein children, 
I vill vaite on dies friends. 

Burr. I say, landlord, 

Who is that young man? 

Jacob. He vas our great friend. 
He vas at home in der house all over. 
You vant to speak some more mit him ? 

Burr. Not now. 

[J.sit/e.] I am not overpleased with these quarters. 



68 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

They are prejudiced against Burr, that is sure. 
Landlord, who owns that horse out in the shed? 

Jacob. Ha, you nodice him? Dat vas a fine horse. 
Dat vas Mister Perkins' horse. 

Enter Kate and Perkins, ivitli a bottle of ivine and glass. 

Perkins. I will go upstairs and arrange every thing. 
Will return shortly. [^Exit Perkins. 

Burr. [^Aside.^ I feel more content. 

'Tis quite probable this poor family 
Do not know whom they are entertaining. 
My fears were groundless, yet I must take care 
Not to be surprised or caught napping. 
When once on board the British iron-clad, 
Which now rides at Pensacola, Pm safe. 
Boy, go and have the horses ready. 

Kate [aside]. What shall I do? He will see my 
Nicholas. 
He has had hardly time to be away. 
Boy, I will get you a lamp. 

Jacob. O, no use; 

Dat moon vas shining very bright to-night. 
Dier vas much hay mit die shed for a lamp. 
IJe goes mit out a lamp. 

Kate. But, dear father. 

Mister Perkins' horse is there, and you know 
He sometimes kicks a little at strangers. 

Jacob. Yah, dot vas so ; I go mit him. 

Burr. Landlord, 

Do not worry about him. He knows how 
To keep clear of horses' hoofs. 

Jacob. Yell, all right. \_Exit Boy. 



ACT TII—SCENE III. 69 

Kate [^aside]. He's a stranger in my father's house. 
Do I break all laws of hospitality, 
And tear down the customs prescribed to hosts? 
''A stranger is within thy gates ; guard him." 
We should protect him from unlawful harm, 
But we are not called upon to break the laws. 
Shield and hide him from the authorities. 
Our Governor's order for his arrest 
Should be obeyed by all lawful people. 

Burr. Landlord, I will settle my account now\ 

Kate [^aside^. O, how my heart beats. I am so afraid 
He will hear. If he finds out about this. 
He will shoot my father. I must be brave. 
I can not help feeling sorry for him. 
He is so tired, and he does not know 
That harm is near. Every one is trying 
To catch and kill him. But 'tis my duty. 

Burr. Come, landlord, give me a few directions 
As to the road to Colonel Hinson's house. 

Kate [aside~\. I must detain him. Can I serve you, sir? 

Burr. Yes, my pretty gii^l. 

Kate. What is your pleasure ? 

Burr. You may bring me one more glass, then I'll go. 

Enter Boy. 

Boy. The horses are ready, sir. 

Kate. Come here, boy, 

And warm yourself. 

Boij. Shall I unhitch ? 

Burr. Wait. 

Is that extra horse in the shed? \^Boy luarms at stove.'] 

Boy. Yes, sir. 



70 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

Jacob, Habe dat horse his blanket od, boy? 
Boy. Yes, sir. 

Kate brings the glass, 

Kate \_aside']. Hark, do I hear the horses? O, no, no. 
'Tis the beating of my heart ; they^ll come soon. 
He must stay here at all cost and hazard. 
[To Burr.] I am sorry for you. 

Burr. You dear girl, 

A man is fortunate when a young girl 
Feels sorrow or pity or love for him. 
Tell me, dear, why are you sorry for me? 

Kate. The road you wish to take is dangerous. 
There are fordings; you may meet Indians ; 
You do not know the way ; you'll go astray. 
And it is so cold out to-night, you'll freeze. 
If you stay here, you will be arrested. 

Burr leaves the table, and seizes Kate by the ivrist. 

Burr. My God, girl, what d.) you mean? 

Kate. You are known. 

Burr. I go now. If you give a sign, you die. 

[ Touches one of his pistols. 
Kate. You will not kill me. You are Colonel Burr. 

Enter Perkins and Captain Gaines, with four soldiers ivho 
guard the door. Gaines in fidl uniform. Perkins 
goes toward Kate. Soldiers remain at carry arms. 

Gaines. Halt! Colonel Aaron Burr, I arrest you. 
By warrant of our gracious President 



ACT IV— SCENE L 71 

And proclamation of our Governor, 
For high treason 'gainst the United States. 
Burr. I surrender. 

[Cartaiii.'] 

Act IV — Scene I. 

Public parlor in the court-house at Richmond. Discovered, 
Burr, Mrs. Alston, Harm an, and Mrs. Blenner- 
HASSETT. Ordinary plain chairs and center-table. Mrs. 
Alston weeping. 

Burr. Theodosia, my life, why do you grieve ? 
Where is now your fortitude, your courage ? 
This is outrageous. You a Burr I 

Theo. O father, these surroundings, this trial 
And cruel persecution, unnerve me. 
Condemned by the world without a hearing, 
Every resource maliciously used 
To show what is and mill new evidence. 

Burr. Think what you will, let there be no index. 

Theo. My nerves are of WTakly substance. 

Burr. Ay, ay. 

But draw them taut. 

Theo. I would have them of steel. 

Burr. I will give no words of consolation. 

Theo. Then wind the horns for the charge. I will 
respond. 

Burr. Ah, now you are my daughter. Eeal in life. 
The realization of my life's dream. 
Woman, the superb, supreme creation 
Of the Maker and Ruler of the worlds. 



72 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

A tmnidt outside. Enier court depidy, followed by a miscel- 
laneous croivd of men and boys, who stand and gaze about. 
Burr [to deputy']. ISTow what word? And why this 

celebration ? 
Deputy. Your last motion has been overruled. 

General Wilkinson has arrived. [Exit deputy. 

Burr. What brings you here, you ugly unkempt crowd. 

You stand about, and stare, and gape and blink ; 

Think you this is some puppet show, or else 

A tented booth, wherein is kept on view 

The great and only living specimen 

Of its kind captured in the wilds of ihis 

Country — sixpence admission to the show. 

Go hence. Get you gone, you poor monkeys. 

[Exit crowd in haste. 
Harman. I am lost. Wilkinson's testimony 

Will crush me. My downfall w^ill be complete. 

Enter Randolph. 

Burr. Dear friend, your eyes are beaming with delight. 
You bring good news ? 

Randolph. Ay, good and also bad. 

The charges 'gainst you have not been sustained. 

Theo. I thank God the government has failed. 

Randolph. You are free, but practically banished. 

Burr. Now is victory crowned with disgrace, 
And disappointed hopes thrown to the dogs. 
Chained like a galley ; let loose, but to die 
An ignominous and shameful death. 
Or live, perchance, out of the pale of man. 
Like the frighten'd bird, from the hunter, flies 



ACTIV—SCESEL 73 

And dies of his wounds in the woods alone. 
I have been sacrific'd by Wilkinson, 
And been persecuted by Jefferson. 

Randolph. Say naught against the head of our country. 
'Twas his duty to take S)me stand in this. 
You must accept the entire result. 
Jefferson did not place you where you are. 
You are father to the expedition 
Which has aroused and shaken this country. 
You know the public sentiment, I think. 
And I have been your most faithful counsel. 
Yet now and forever I maintain that 
The President of the United States 

Shall be respected and protected. [Burr goes toward Theo. 
Blennerhassett, the charges against you 
Have been annulled. You are free to go. 

Harmon. Free and mined. Colonel Burr, give me 
help. 
Me once so happy, contented, wealthy, 

[Mrs. Bllnn. iveeps. 
All sacrificed to you and your cause. 
I, my wife and my children, are beggars. 

Burr. What do I hear? What do you mean ? 
You contented? Why did you follow^ me? 
I have not robbed you of your wife or wealth. 
You parted with what you had knowingly. 
'Twas your eager desire to get more. 
To satisfy your hungry greed, you would 
Have plucked the wandering stars from the vault 
And hurled complaints on high for short supply. 
Like the dog on the bridge, you have lost all. 
Blame not me with this. 'Twas your own free will. 



74 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AAROX BURR. 

Harinan. I gave up all at your asking. 

Burr. Enough. 

This silly mincing I care not to hear. 
Owe you ; owe you ? Let heaven be my sworn 
Enemy if I owe or pay you aught. 
Though divine and human laws plead your cause, 
I tell you now, I owe you nothing. Away ! 
Your face and distorted mind offend me. 

Harman. Used up, worn out, cursed, and then throw^n 
out. 
I have outlived my usefulness. Dear wife, 
Weep no more. I bow now for the last time 
To man. Human sympathy is a myth. 
May God help us now on our wanderings. [Exeunt. 

Burr. The past is ruled off and the balance ta'en. 
I now open with a new creditor. 
Time and events will decide all. 

Theo. Father, come with me. 

Burr. I will. Randolph, 

My dear friend, I bid you a short farewell. \Exit Rand. 

Enter Samuel Swartwout, Major Ashley, citizen's dress, 
and Lieutenant Gushing, in full uniform^ all hur- 
riedly. 

Ashley. He is a formidable opponent. 
He is gentle when not disturbed. 
But a perfect tiger when aroused. 

JSam. Mark you, he shall meet me. 

Burr. How now, my friends? 

Ashley. An encounter is contemplated. 

Sam. And will be put on. 

Theo. Father, good bye. Remember me. 



ACT IV -SCENE 1. 75 

Burr, My dear, sweet child, I will be with you soon. 

\_Exit Theo. 
Friends, proceed ; and he that wavers, let him 
Ne'er proclaim another weighty matter. 
For I take it there is concern abroad. 

Ashley. 'Tis easily told — a challenge. 

Burr [aside]. How I hate that word and its conse- 
quences. 
It grates upon my ears and worries me. 
'Tis a guide-board which points on to the pit, 
Out of w^hich come horrors, anguish, and woe. 
'Twas a challenge that made Him curse the earth. 

Sam. I've tried to meet General Wilkinson, 
And tell him to his face he is a rogue, 
A perfidious scamp ; but he foils me. 
These papers will show what I say, and more. 
Lieutenant Gushing, here is my challenge. 
Hand this with my profound disgust to him. \_Hands paper. 

Cicshing. I may forget this last ; better pen it. 

Sam. Ah, you, a lieutenant, talk to me. Go! 

Ashley. Peace, peace, or I'll withdraw, dear friend 
Swartwout. 
He is the best swordsman in the army. 
Why pick a quarrel with him without cause? 
Should he draw, he will make a corpse of y(;u. 

Burr. Hold! It is unmanly to be mad. 
This trait is owned exclusively by beasts. 
Put vengeance in your sword, not in your words. 
[Aside.] If it is to be, it will be. 

Cush. to Sayn. I'll be your messenger and his second. 
But 'tis not likely he will notice this. [Holds up paper. 



76 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

In open combat, when he draws his sword, 

A man of honor and integrity 

Must face him. See to it that yon are one. 

For all that's mean and contemptible 

In the shape of man, he spurns. Nor will he 

Lose his wits for such a gush of words 

As are contained in here. I will 'tend this. \^Exit Cush. 

Ashley. 'Tis well he held bis passion, for he is 
As quick as lightning, and as sure as death. 
He could have cut your head off with one stroke, 
And long before it could be known to us. 

Burr. Vm glad he has gone, 

Although most gentle and unoffending, 
For he has the qualities of a man. 
But when wrongly used, he gives no quarter. 
Out of its scabbard, his sword is alive. 
And death sits on its edge. 'Tis the last seal 
When he uncovers. 

Find you or me his exact counterpart, 
'Tis once in a generation. 

ASa77i. Wilkinson shall accept. This duel's on. 

[Burr receives a stroke of paralysis; falls io the floor; is 
taken up and placed in a chair. ^ 

Ashley [in alarm]. What is this? 

Sam. A stroke, a stroke. 

Ashley. God help us ! 

No wonder man 's afraid of death. See this ! 

[Points to Burr. 
So still, so quiet. Look, he seems to move. 
I fear him, once my friend, his soul is gone. 
O death, you harvester of time, spare us! 



ACT IV— SCENE I. 77 

Enter messenger with letter. 

Mess. A dispatch for Colonel Burr. 

Sam. Leave it to me. \_Exit Mess. 

Burr [comes to]. What has happeiiVl? rm ill; yes, 
I am ill. 

Sam. Dizziness seized you, so we plac'd you here. 

Burr [mind wandering']. 0,1 remember; we were to- 
gether 
A long, long time ago ; yes, years ago. 
Ah, I am so glad to see you again. 
I have met Alexander Hamilton. 
He was so kind, and he gave me pardon 
For a wrong which I had done him. 
Blennerhassett came and gave me pardon. 
But I saw his wife and little children 
Begging for a crust of bread ; they were poor. 
And the people cried out it was my fault ; 
That I had brought destruction to their home. 
I fled. O, the people! O, the people ! 
I still liear their angry cries against me. 

Sam. He is growing feeble, and dropping ofl*. 

Ashley. We must arouse hini. Give him this letter. 

Sam. Colonel, a message for you. 

Burr. Ah, read it to me. 
I have been ill ; yes, I recollect all. 
I am stronger now, and my brain is clear. 

[Samuel opens the letter, reads it to himself, drops it near 
Burr, and walks away.\ 

Sam. Heaveuly powers, give him assistance. 

[Covers Jiisface with his hands and nrcps. 



78 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

[BuER leans over, still being seated on chair. He then 

stands, totters a few steps, reads over tivice,^ 
Burr reads : 
''Theo. is dead.— Major Alston.'' 

God, no ! No, no, this can not be true. 
It is so sad that one so young should die. 
They tell me that I shall never see her. 

O, my daughter Theo, my dear sweet child, 

1 have loved you when a prattling baby ; 
And Nvhen you grew to womanhood, 
You were the joy of my life, my Theo. 
This life is obscure and full of sadness, 
But never did I wish to live till now. 
Where is now the kind God of heaven ? 
Welcome dissolution ; come, give me death. 
What, and he will not come at my bidding! 
Then rouse up my sluggish soul and meet death ; 
Hunt him up ; fight with him ; I will not live. 

\_Takes a bottle of medicine from the table. 
This is a potion to heal my body ; 
If I take it all, it may give me rest. 

[Burr trembles so that the bottle falls and breaks. 
Death is a runaway when he is sought, 
But I will force him. I will force him. 

[^Totters, falls and dies. 
[Ashley goes to the door and calls. Enter four men ivith a 
stretcher; same having legs; take up the body; cover it 
with a black cloth, and stand ivaiting. 
Ashley. There's all that's left of Aaron Burr, poor corpse. 
Birth, time and death, the three magic numbers. 
A faithful soldier; learned politician; 
Once the proud power in this country ; 



ACT IV— SCENE L 79 

Then wert drawn down into the seething pool 

Of ruin and outlawry, Alas ! 'tis sad 

That thou art taken off at this untimely time. 

Sam. This scene quickens my flagging resolve. 
I take an oath to make this now my cause, 
And add to it my former grievance. 

[ To porters. 
Bear away the body aud attend it. 

Importers take up the body. Exit. 
Come friend with me to the woods of Richmond, 
There I will make a ghost of him I meet. \_Exeunt. 

Scene 2. 

Woods at Richmond. Enter General Wilkinson and 
Lieutenant Gushing in fidl uniform ; straight sivords 
at sides. 

Gushing. We are first here. 

Wilkinson. That is well, we can talk. 

I do not care to and must not fight him. 
'Tis unwarranted that I should do so. 
There's no substantial grounds for this duel. 
I have not inflicted him for any 
Personal or vindictive cause or motives. 
I have ne'er trod him under foot. Besides, 
He was one of the conspirators, and 
It would ill-become me to notice him. 

Cashing. We will try to settle amicably. 
The stand you take is honorable, and 
Nothing can be said against it. 

Wilkinson. But I can not account for his actions. 

Cashing. He is hot-brained and ill-disposed. 



80 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AARON BURR. 

PerchaDce he does not know why he does this. 
Faith, I think this is nearest to the truth. 
If he has any reasoning faculties, 
We will call them, and see what he will do. 

Wilh. I will respect a true point of honor; 
Will face the facts, and maintain my action ; 
But in a trumped-up street broil of this kind 
I do not care to be identified. 
For in a bold-faced fashion he says 
Merely : that for past injuries, affronts. 
And ill-usage, his honor demands it. 

CksIi. Such like talk can be heard in asylums. 
Here they come, all out of breath, now for it. 

Enter Samuel and Ashley hurriedly, and out of breath. 
Ashley bearing a sivord. 

Sam. Ha ! feUows ; first come, first served. This is well. 

Wilk. What is it you wish to serve? 

Sam. [aside']. Ah! the knave. 

[to Wilh.] A dish for worms, what else did you suppose? 
Think you this is a wedding feast, or else 
A celebration of a birth ? O, no ! [Ashley shakes ivithfear. 
ril rid you of these petty thoughts, you rogue. 

Ctish. [aside]. Surely the fellow has gone daft. 
[to Sam]. See here. 

You reckless chap, give heed to your second. 
Take some of that fire out of your brain. 
Put it to his feet that he may keep warm. 
He has more than the ague, I'll be sworn, 
Or else I see a silly simpleton 
Who keeps his brains in an ill-mannered place — 
His shins. 



ACT IV—SCENE 11. 81 

\_Sam throws off his coat, then his hat, and continues to get 

ready for a while, '\ 
Throw off your coat; let us begin 
To talk of tins stupid thing, this duel. 

Wilk. [aside^. Let me have some words with this idiot. 
[to Sam']. You wish to fight with me now, Avhal's the 
grounds. 

Sam. You received my challenge, that is enough. 
I have not time to specify, but call it 
Every thing that has happened this last year. 
And more, I've seen the death of him who was 
My friend, draw your sword, for I have at you. 

Wilk. [to Gush.] Whose death does he allude to? 

Cash, [to Wilk.] I do not know. 

'Tis a strange layout to commemorate 
Or celebrate a death with a duel. 
[To Sam]. For whom do you wear crape ? 

Sam. For Colonel Burr. 

Wilk. What, is he dead ? 

Ashley. Yes, yes ; he was touched 

By the finger of God — paralysis. 
We were present, and saw him carried out. 

Wilk. Major, can you not use your influence 
To peacefully adjust this absurd duel? 

Ashley. I've tried all persuasions, but have failed. 

Wilk. There are many reasons which prevent me 
Trying conclusions in this ill contest. 
'Tis not for fear, but 'tis my honor at stake, 
And my duty not to be embroiled. 
I am here for peace, not for the sword. 

Gush, [to Sam]. Throw down your sword, let us reason 
this out. 



82 TRAGICAL HISTORY OF AAROX BURR. 

Sam. You interfering fool, Til kill yon first. 

\^Sla2:)s Cushing twice with his sword. 
With that and that, I take away your honor. 

Wilk. Hold, this trouble is not with him, 'tis me. 
Sam. ril make it with him. [To Ashley']. Ashley, 
should I fall, 
Say my wounds were had in front. [0/« guard.'] 
Gush. Hold off; I do not care to fight with you. 
Sam. ril kill you if you will not fight. Who cares? 
You'll make a pretty corpse. I have at you. 
[Sam rushes for Cushing. Cusring draws, ajid with one 
cut breaks Sam's guard, and one thrust Sam falls and 
dies. Gushing picks up one of Sam's gloves^ wipes off 
his sword J gently drops glove on Sam. 
Gush. Conspirator, I did not want your blood. 

{^Returns his sword. 
You forced it on me. Peace be to your soul. 
Yet ma}^ others like you fail utterly, 
E'er they succeed in wrecking our fair land, 
The United States of America. 

[Wilkinson takes Gushing by the arm and leave the scene, 
Ashley kneeh over the dead body of Samuel Sw^art- 

WOUT. 

[^Gartain.] 



THE END. 





SEAL OF JUPITER. 



SEAL OF MARS. 



THE SACRED PENTACLE. 




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